Spanish households face the most expensive back-to-school season in history as average spending rises 12 percent to 478 euros, according to Observatorio Cetelem.
The price surge adds an extra bill of approximately 50 euros per household compared to last year. The findings, published in the Zoom Vuelta al cole 2026 report by the consumer research organization, show that price inflation is forcing families across Spain to adjust their educational budgets ahead of the new academic term in September.
Observatorio Cetelem is the economic study unit of BNP Paribas Personal Finance in Spain, tracking consumer spending trends and household budgets. The annual return to school, known in Spain as la vuelta al cole, represents one of the heaviest financial commitments for families each year, coinciding with broader late-summer expenses often referred to as the September climb.
Household spending breakdown
According to the survey, half of Spanish consumers expect to keep their spending stable compared to the 2025 back-to-school period. Meanwhile, 28 percent of respondents plan to spend less than last year, and 22 percent anticipate that their total outlay will increase.
Among the families expecting higher expenses, 69 percent attributed the increase directly to rising retail prices. Another 45 percent reported needing to buy a larger volume of books and educational materials. A smaller share of consumers cited personal factors, with 7 percent pointing to family growth and 3 percent stating they no longer take advantage of textbook lending schemes.
Textbook lending networks operate across several Spanish autonomous regions, allowing families to borrow educational materials from public schools to reduce annual expenses. Participation in these schemes remains a key buffer against rising educational costs.
Cost cutting and reuse strategies
For the 28 percent of households aiming to cut spending, joining or using textbook lending systems is the primary strategy, chosen by 47 percent of that group. Reusing school items from previous academic years is the second most common tactic, adopted by 36 percent of cost-conscious families.
The proportion of families reusing materials dropped by nine percentage points from 45 percent in 2025. Additionally, 33 percent of families intending to reduce their budget said they will purchase second-hand school goods to save money.
Disparities in family budgets
While the overall average spending figure stands at 478 euros, actual expenditure varies significantly depending on household income and education level. The study found that 12 percent of households expect to spend just 64 euros, while 38 percent budget 236 euros. Another 26 percent plan to spend 440 euros.
At the upper end, 24 percent of households, roughly one in five, expect their back-to-school shopping to reach 1,096 euros. Observatorio Cetelem noted a four percentage point increase in families spending over 500 euros, rising from 20 percent in 2025 to 24 percent this year.
Most purchased educational products
General school supplies top the shopping list, with 79 percent of families planning purchases in that category. Textbooks and clothing tie for second place, with 67 percent of households buying each. Backpacks represent another major budget line, required by 55 percent of shoppers.
Educational registration and tuition fees, which climb higher for post-secondary and higher education, will be paid by 39 percent of households. Electronic devices are budgeted by 16 percent of families, representing a two percentage point increase compared to the previous year.
